“He sounds rather difficult to please.” Judith offered her comment without thinking. Still, she didn’t apologize.
“Here at the far end of the west wing is your suite. We call it the Lilac Room because your grandmother appointed it as such.”
They entered through double doors, and Judith immediately found herself in a calming sea of femininity. The walls were both papered and painted in a soft lavender hue. White trim edged the windows, and beautiful crown molding highlighted the ceilings. On the oak floors were a variety of rugs woven in hues of purple and all the shades it could offer. Some were done in flowery designs, while others were more geometric in their patterns.
“As you can see for yourself, you have a fine sitting room here. It’s still quite chilly in the evening, so a fire will be laid while you’re at dinner. Should you want one any other time of the day, simply ring.” Mrs. Deeters pointed to the dark purple cord. “In fact, should you require anything, you have but to ring and I will attend you.”
Just beyond a rather comfortable-looking sofa, a door opened and two young ladies dressed in black with white aprons appeared. In their arms they carried Judith’s best dresses. They curtsied in front of Judith.
Mrs. Deeters made the introductions. “This is Harriet and Beth. They will be available to help you dress and arrange your hair. They will also make certain that your room is to your liking. Should you need anything at all, just let them know.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you both.”
The girls bobbed again but said nothing. Mrs. Deetersquickly took over. “Girls, go get those dresses pressed. Miss Ashton will need something to wear for dinner this evening.” The girls hurried from the room. It was clear they were well trained and used to working fast.
“I have arranged a bath for you,” Mrs. Deeters continued. “Through this door you have your bathing and dressing room. Beyond that is your bedroom. I had the girls lay out your nightgown and robe.”
A hot bath sounded wonderful. The long days of travel, even in a beautiful private train car, were beginning to catch up with her. She suppressed a yawn.
“I shall be quite blessed to have a hot bath,” Judith said, smiling. “Thank you for such thoughtfulness.”
Mrs. Deeters looked at her for a moment with a hint of a frown. “We are here to serve. You have only to let your needs be known.”
Judith wasn’t sure what had caused the older woman displeasure, but she decided to say nothing. Her only focus for the moment was a bath. After that, she could give more thought to her grandfather and his household. No doubt there would be plenty to consider.
“Will you require help bathing?”
“Goodness no.” Judith shook her head. “I can manage just fine on my own.” After all, she’d been doing exactly that most of her life.
“I’ve heard that Mr. Ashton has company coming to stay,” Claudette told her brother as he finished doing up the buttons of a clean shirt.
Roman had come home to change after a feverish child threw up on him. Such were the risks involved in treating children, and he took it in stride.
“Poor Aunt Mary will no doubt have her hands full andget little time away from the house.” Roman remembered other times when Ashton had business associates come to stay. His aunt had spoken of the disruption and problems such visits caused. It seemed Mr. Ashton was not a man who desired to play host to anyone, yet found himself obligated at times.
Claudette brought Roman a clean black tie and helped him knot it in the front and tuck the ends under his shirt’s collar. He quickly pulled on his suit coat, which thankfully he’d not been wearing when the child became ill. Through the years he’d learned to discard his jacket as soon as he started looking at patients in the orphanage. It had saved his coat on more than one occasion.
“Did Daniel mention how the men are doing after that accident at the sawmill?” Roman asked.
“Only that they’re already back at work. They can’t afford to miss more. The money is too important to their families.”
“They’ll heal faster if they give themselves time. I understand the need for financial support, but those were some seriously deep cuts I stitched.”
Claudette brushed the back of his coat, then came around to the front to touch up the lapels. She smiled. “There. You’re perfect. Where are you off to now?”
“I have a meeting with Reverend Knickerbacker.” He kissed the top of her head. “I should be home early. Maybe I’ll have time to fix the roof.” The last thunderstorm had lifted some of the shingles and caused damage that needed to be repaired. Roman had been waiting for a free moment to get to the task.
Heading off down the street, Roman tried to focus on the positive. The neighborhood was a decent one where he didn’t worry about his mother and sister being by themselves on nights when he was delayed in getting home. Their house, although small, was paid for in full thanks to a bonus Roman had received after the war. They did what they could to getby, and for all purposes, their lives were good. So why did he feel so overwhelmed and frustrated?
It seemed impossible to rid himself of the heaviness that seemed to weigh him down each day. His father had once been so successful. They’d lived well and enjoyed plenty. Roman knew this wasn’t the life his father had desired for his family, and yet when his fortunes had changed due to the corruption of James Ashton, rather than fight ... he’d given up.
Sometimes remembering that his father had willed himself to die was more than Roman could consider. His father’s death was still talked about in hushed whispers. The Turner family had been well received in Minnesota. Having invested in the area with a confidence that he intended to make his mark, Andrew Turner had been highly regarded. He owned numerous pieces of property, as well as investments in several businesses. Roman had known his father to be a risk taker of the very best kind. He put great thought into any project, weighing the good and bad, the possible with the improbable. He had been prudent, but willing to see beyond the immediate to what the future could hold.
Then James Ashton came into the picture and changed everything. Roman clenched his fists just thinking about the man. How could God have allowed his father to be so clearly duped? It wasn’t in Andrew Turner’s nature to act the fool, but he’d somehow been convinced to sign over his holdings to a ruthless land baron like James Ashton. Roman had never had a chance to speak to his father on the matter, and his mother had never fully understood what happened except that Ashton stole everything in a manner that was just this side of legal.
God,I pray for deliverance every day. Howcan that man be allowed to continue as he does—hurting others and robbing people blind? When will You giveus justice? My mother and sister deserve more. My meagersalary keeps food on the table,but there’s neveranything left for more.
He heaved a sigh and paused to cross one of the busier streets. How could God remain silent on the matter for so long? Was God even listening?
